These five schools underwent structural safety checks last year which resulted in precautionary measures being put in place as an interim response.

They will now undergo a more detailed second phase of assessments to help determine what permanent remediation solutions are needed.

This second-phase programme will focus initially on a total of 22 schools where precautionary measures were put in place following last year’s inspections.

In a statement, the Department of Education said a timetable for investigations in the 22 schools will be finalised when assessments of the first five are completed. The remainder of schools which have not require precautionary measures will be scheduled for the 2019 summer break.

“The delivery of these works will be planned when the extent of the work needed is established. Works will be prioritised for delivery with the aim of maximising use of school holiday periods,” the department said in a statement. “Precautionary measures will remain in place at the schools until permanent solutions have been implemented.”

It said school principals were being kept informed and were assisting with arrangements for the second phase assessments.